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Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide emissions are a major cause of global warming. In the United States, coal-fired power plants are the single largest source of carbon dioxide emissions, with a typical plant producing about 3.5 million tons of carbon dioxide annually. Although some coal-burning power plants have installed carbon dioxide scrubbers to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, widespread use awaits cheaper and more efficient technology.
Nitrogen Oxides
Nitrogen oxide pollution produces ozone in the form of smog. The smog injures lung tissue and is especially dangerous for children, the elderly, people with asthma or people with chronic lung diseases. A typical coal-fired power plant without air scrubbers emits about 10,300 tons of nitrogen oxides per year. A plant, equipped with an air scrubber, can reduce this emission by 66 percent.
Sulfur Dioxide
Sulfur dioxide causes acid rain, acidifies rivers and lakes and damages crops and soil. It also acidifies particulate matter in the air. Breathing in acidified particles damages lung tissue. A coal-fired power plant without air scrubber equipment emits about 14,100 tons of sulfur dioxide annually. Scrubbers installed in smokestacks can reduce the emission by about 50 percent. Due to the installation of scrubbers and other methods, sulfur emissions from coal-burning power plants steadily declined since 1990.
Mercury Emissions
Mercury, a heavy metal similar to lead, causes brain damage and heart problems. In the United States, coal-burning power plants are the largest source of mercury emissions, accounting for 50 percent of all mercury emissions. Without mercury capture technology, a coal-fired power plant emits about 77 kilograms (170 pounds) of mercury yearly. Mercury in the air becomes extremely toxic when it contacts water. Microorganisms in the water change mercury into methylmercury, a highly toxic compound. Humans are mainly poisoned by methylmercury when eating contaminated fish or shellfish. Mercury-capturing technology, using activated carbon, can prevent about 90 percent of mercury emissions; however, not all coal-burning power plants use this technology.
Particulate Matter
Soot or fly ash is composed of particulate matter and is a major pollutant generated by burning coal. Particulate matter, especially fine particle matter, enters lungs and can cause nonfatal heart attacks, irregular heart beats and bronchitis. The particulate matter aggravates asthma and may cause premature death in people suffering from heart or lung disorders. A coal-fired power plant without fabric filters, or baghouses, in their smokestacks can emit about 500 tons of particular matter, while plants that have smokestack baghouses can prevent 99 percent of particulate matter entering the atmosphere.